At Least 2 of the 3 MVP Finalists in the Last Five Years Have Been International Players 🔥

The NBA is more global than ever, and the league’s MVP race over the past five years proves it. In an era once dominated by American-born superstars, a powerful shift has taken place—international players are not just participating, they’re dominating. From Giannis Antetokounmpo to Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid, the MVP discussion has consistently featured international stars at the very top. In fact, in each of the last five seasons, at least two of the three MVP finalists have been international players. That’s not a trend—it’s a movement.

This evolution of the MVP race says a lot about where the game is and where it’s going. Between 2020 and 2024, the names that have become synonymous with greatness have roots far from American soil. Giannis, born in Greece to Nigerian parents, has won the MVP twice and been a finalist multiple times. Nikola Jokić, the Serbian sensation, has also taken home two MVP trophies and narrowly missed a third. Joel Embiid, born in Cameroon, finally won the award in 2023 after years of contending.

These aren’t just token nominations. These players have consistently led their teams to top seeds, delivered elite-level performances nightly, and put up historic stats in the process. Jokić, for instance, has redefined the role of a center with his playmaking and efficiency. Giannis is arguably the most dominant two-way force in the league. And Embiid has become a modern offensive juggernaut, blending power, finesse, and an ever-expanding skill set.

Looking at the past five MVP finalist lists tells the story clearly:

• 2020: Giannis (Greece), LeBron James (USA), James Harden (USA)
• 2021: Jokić (Serbia), Embiid (Cameroon), Steph Curry (USA)
• 2022: Jokić (Serbia), Embiid (Cameroon), Giannis (Greece)
• 2023: Embiid (Cameroon), Jokić (Serbia), Giannis (Greece)
• 2024: Jokić (Serbia), Luka Dončić (Slovenia), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada)

Each year, two—if not all three—of the MVP finalists were international. 2022 and 2023 even featured a clean sweep by international players, something that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago.

This dominance is no coincidence. It’s the result of global investment in basketball infrastructure, better scouting, and NBA franchises embracing talent no matter where it comes from. Luka Dončić is a prime example. Raised in Slovenia and developed by Real Madrid before joining the NBA, Luka hit the ground running and quickly became one of the league’s premier stars. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has quietly become one of the most complete guards in the NBA and represents Canada’s rising basketball pipeline.

The international presence at the top of the MVP ladder also reflects a changing NBA identity. The league is now the world’s league. Players like Jokić and Giannis bring unique styles that break the traditional mold. Their development paths were different, their motivations rooted in international pride as much as individual glory. They don’t just represent teams—they represent countries.

For fans, this shift makes the game more exciting and more inclusive. The MVP race has become a showcase of global talent and diversity, with fans from every corner of the world seeing someone who reflects their own heritage performing at the highest level.

As the 2025 MVP conversation continues, it’s almost guaranteed that at least two international names will be among the top three once again. Whether it’s Luka, Jokić, Giannis, Embiid, or another rising star, the global takeover of the NBA is no longer a theory—it’s a fact.

And honestly? We’re here for it. 🌍🏀🔥